Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size:  20,908 acres

Completion: 79%                              

Personnel: 253 

 

Key Message: Firefighters control a fire's spread or ‘put it out’ by removing one of the three ingredients fire needs to burn: heat, oxygen, or fuel. They remove heat by applying dirt, water or fire retardant on the ground using hand tools, pumps on engines and from aircraft. A wildfire is deemed ‘out’ when firefighters examine the burned area for any potential of the embers or smoldering materials to escape control lines.       

Current Status: Another day of slow fire movement. Fire officials witnessed mostly smoldering and creeping behavior as the fire was backing down areas in steep terrain. A helicopter made several water drops over a recent lightning strike near Long Canyon; the fire is estimated at .10 acre in size. The majority of the vegetative removal and chipping work along the Westside Road has been completed north of Ball Creek Road. Crews continued to strengthen dozer and handlines and test structure protection equipment near adjacent homes. Minimal fire activity was observed over the Katka Fire by a patrol helicopter. Night operations were on patrol and reported a slight increase in fire behavior due to gusty winds. No infrared detection flight occurred; therefore, reported acres have not changed. 

Planned Actions:  Expect to see some interior smoke from heavier timber and possible tree torching with breezy conditions on exposed ridges.  Firefighters will be finishing vegetative brush removal and chipping operations south of Ball Creek Road today. Crews will continue mopping up, strengthening firelines, removing hazard trees and monitoring fire activity. Crews will be testing structure protection equipment and conducting nighttime patrol along the Westside Road. The Katka Fire and Long Canyon will be monitored by air patrol. Fire officials are having discussions with the Forest on long-term strategic planning for suppression repair and public access.

Weather: The weather today will be mostly sunny and dry. Temperatures in the valley will be 66-71 degrees with minimum relative humidity of 27-33%. Winds expected variable out of the northeast at 4-9 mph.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, the Westside Road is restricted to residents-only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about READY SET GO, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-7802) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t! 

Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size:  20,908 acres            
Completion: 79%                       
Personnel: 263                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Key Message:  Active fires can mean National Forest trail and road closures on National Forests. Closures near the Westside Road are intended to keep people safe from active fire and responding suppression equipment, but they also keep visitors from areas where the risk of falling hazard trees is extreme. Anyone looking to get out into the Selkirk Mountains still has access to spots to the north or south of the fire like Smith Creek or Roman Nose Mountain. Swing by the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station to pick up a map or chat with Forest staff to discuss options. Remember, fire season is still upon us and it’s important to comply with these closures for your safety and the safety of our firefighters. 

Current Status: No infrared detection flight occurred; therefore, the acres did not change today. Smoke on the landscape was prominent due to an inversion layer. This also led to low intensity fire, mostly smoldering and creeping with minimal growth. The majority of the vegetative removal and chipping work continue along the Westside Road; crews are wrapping up in the north and moving south near Trout Creek Road. Crews continue to strengthen dozer and handlines and test structure protection equipment near adjacent homes. Mop up, patrol and monitoring are ongoing. Minimal fire activity was observed over the Katka Fire by a patrol helicopter. No additional heat was reported from a few recent lightning strikes in the area. 

Planned Actions: Fire behavior is expected to be slightly more active today than yesterday. Firefighters will continue chipping the vegetation that was thinned along the Westside Road near Trout Creek Road, moving south. From Ball Creek Road north to Trout Creek Road, crews will be mopping up and strengthening firelines, removing hazard trees and monitoring fire activity. Crews will continue to routinely test structure protection equipment and conduct nighttime patrol along the Westside Road. The Katka Fire, as well as the recent lightning strikes, will be monitored by air patrol.   

Weather: The weather today will be mostly sunny and slightly drier. Temperatures in the valley will be 74-78 degrees with minimum relative humidity of 27-32%. Winds expected to be light from the southwest at 2-5 mph.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, the Westside Road is restricted to residents-only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about READY SET GO, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-7802) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size:  20,908 acres                      Completion: 79%                      Personnel: 327

 

Key Message: The amount of daylight in a 24-hour period, also known as ‘diurnal effects,’ has an impact on wildland fire behavior, especially during late season fires. The temperature, wind and humidity values fluctuate throughout the day. When the sun sets earlier in the day, this creates shadier spots on south facing mountain slopes and minimizes the pre-heating and drying of vegetation resulting in lower fire intensity during peak burn times. 

Current Status: Recent weather conditions have not resulted in any significant fire growth. An infrared flight detected a 69 acre increase in overall fire size. Reports off the fireline and from the air indicate the fire is mostly creeping and smoldering with some smoke from islands where the fire met unburned material.  This fire behavior is allowing crews to focus on hazard tree removal, chipping and mop up operations along the fireline on Ball Creek Road north to Trout Creek Road and along the Westside Road. Minimal fire activity was also observed over the Katka Fire by a patrol helicopter.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue chipping the vegetation material that was thinned along the Westside Road from Trout Creek Road north to Fisher Creek. wFrom Ball Creek Road north to Trout Creek Road crews will continue to mop up along the fireline, remove hazard trees and monitor fire activity.  Structure assessments around the homes adjacent to the Westside Road are complete; crews will continue to routinely test pumps, sprinklers and hoses. Fire activity is expected to be minimal. Both the Russell Mountain and the Katka Fires will be monitored by the helicopters during the day and patrolled by engines from the ground at night.

Weather: The weather today will be mostly sunny. Temperatures in the valley will be 73-77 degrees with minimum relative humidity levels of 30-35%. Winds are forecasted to be light from the north at 4-7 mph.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, the Westside Road is restricted to residents-only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about READY SET GO, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-7802) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Rick Connell, I.C.

Estimated Size:  20,839 acres                      Completion: 79%                   Personnel: 338

Key Message: Today is a transition day on the fire. The Type 2 Eastern Gold Team is shadowing Northern Rockies Team 4 in all aspects of managing this complex of fires. Personnel in all functions will share information and details from what has been experienced and completed over the past two weeks and help set up the new team to be successful managing the fires moving forward. Incident Management Teams are typically on assignment for 14 days, so this transition is a regular part of managing a large fire.

Current Status: Crews worked on chipping the vegetation material that was thinned along the Westside Road north of Trout Creek Road. From Ball Creek Road north to Trout Creek Road firefighters worked on hazard tree removal and mop up along the fireline. In addition, some remaining hand fireline work was completed near Ball Creek Road. The Cascade Creek Fire discovered on Thursday was controlled at .10 acre in size. Two new fires were discovered by air on Friday, the Yellow Creek Fire was staffed and controlled at .10 acre and the Long Canyon Fire is less than .10 acre and currently unstaffed. Minimal fire activity was observed on the Katka Fire. The overnight infrared detection flight mapped an increase in size of 18 acres on the Complex.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue chipping the vegetation material that was thinned along the Westside Road from Trout Creek Road north to Fisher Creek. From Ball Creek Road north to Trout Creek Road crews will continue to mop up along the fireline, remove hazard trees, monitor fire activity, and check on structure protection equipment. Incoming and outgoing fire operations personnel will be on the fireline to share and learn what has been done on the fireline and what work remains to be done. Fire activity is expected to be minimal. The Katka Fire will be monitored by the air. Helicopters are available for air monitoring over both fires and for water delivery as needed if the smoke and weather conditions allow for safe flying.

Weather: The weather today will be mostly sunny. Temperatures in the valley will be 67-74 degrees with minimum Relative Humidity levels of 30-45%. Winds are forecasted to be from the Northeast at 3-5 mph.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, the Westside Road is restricted to residents-only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Yesterday, those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek were moved back to the READY fire evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about READY SET GO, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-7802) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Residents of Westside Road are being advised they can reduce their evacuation preparation status to “Ready”.  They had been at “Set” status since September 1st when the Scotch Creek Fire was unpredictable and could have reached the road and threatened homes there. The Scotch Creek Fire has since merged with the Russell Fire, which has made contact with fire control lines and is currently being mopped up along the west side of the road.  No structures were damaged as the fire burned down to the control lines.

 

The following are updated “Ready, Set, GO!” pre-evacuation preparations in place in Boundary County:

 •         “Ready” – Almost all of Westside Road, from the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge north to

Kerr Lake Road are in the “Ready” stage of evacuation to maintain their evacuation plans for their families, pets, and livestock. (Russell Fire)

•         “Ready” – Katka Road up from the lookout area, Two-Tail Road, Misty Mountain Road and Taboggan Lane have been advised to be in the “Ready” stage of evacuation to begin evacuation planning for their families, pets, and livestock. (Katka Fire)

The Kootenai River Complex, now consisting of the Russell Fire and Katka Fire, totaled 20,821 acres of burned area as of last night’s estimate. There are 366 personnel working on the fires, and total cost for the fires is $5.3 million so far.  Just over $1.1 million (21%) of that cost is for aircraft operations.

The infrared aircraft flyover last night showed a small hot spot in the vicinity of Cascade Creek south of the Russell Fire, so crews are investigating today for a possible new start caused by the lightning we had two days ago.

Learn more about what to do in each of the “Ready, Set, GO!” evacuation planning stages by downloading the brochure at boundarycountyid.org.

Residents can receive emergency notifications by opting in to receive Nixle text alerts on their smartphones by texting 83805 to 888777.

Current evacuation preparation status information is also available in a recorded message on the Boundary County Emergency Information Line at 208-696-BOCO (2626). 

  

Hamilton, MT, September 19- Due to recent precipitation and cooler temperatures, the Bitterroot National Forest has lowered its fire danger to “High” down from “Extreme.”

 

The Forest is also lifting Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective immediately. Restrictions have been in place since August 12th. This means campfires will again be allowed on the Forest and will also lift the restrictions (hoot owl) on firewood cutting in the afternoon.

 

Open burning is currently prohibited in Ravalli County. Camp and cooking fires are still allowed. For the latest on current fire restrictions and County burn bans in place throughout Montana visit www.mtfireinfo.org.

 

Although fire danger remains High, fire management officials opted to move out of restrictions because of the recent precipitation as well as fire danger indices (burning conditions/severity), which are also moving downward as the summer season moves into the summer/fall transition.

 

Many locations across the forest received precipitation within the last week with totals ranging from a ¼ to nearly 1 inch. Temperatures this week will remain near normal, and a southwest flow will develop that is forecast to bring additional chances of precipitation Wednesday night and Thursday along with potential thunderstorms.

 

The Magruder Road Corridor between Darby MT. and Elk City, ID. is now open after the Forest lifted the road closure last week from the Twist Creek Fire. The Hog Trough Fire area closure up Skalkaho on the Darby Ranger District was also lifted this weekend. Please note, the Indian Ridge Fire area closure on the West Fork Ranger District remains in place https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8319/

 

While fire danger has lessened, fire season is not over. Although campfires can be one of the best parts of camping and provide necessary warmth to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, they can also spark wildfires. Please don’t forget your responsibility to maintain and extinguish all campfires. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Never leave a campfire unattended.

This summer, there have been 63 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 11 human-caused and 52 lightning fires

 

Ross Fork Fire Daily Update 
September 23, 2022

Fire Information: Email: 2022.rossfork@firenet.gov 
Phone: 208-329-6044 daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
Sawtooth National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

YouTube:https://youtu.be/Ll7iJz55hnIInciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8375

Containment: 44%

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 37,811 acres

Location: Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Fuel Type: Timber Litter/Timber/Short Grass
 

There continues to be some, but minimal fire activity over the last few days.  The winds picked up in the area, but no new growth was noted.  Yesterday the fire received some moisture. Smoke remains visible from interior pockets of fuel. The increase in acreage today is due to better mapping and not additional fire growth.

Firefighters continue to patrol, mitigate hazards, and mop-up locations throughout.  Crews will be evaluating the risks as the winds pick up today and proceed cautiously.  The forest fire closure is still in effect to protect both firefighters and the public from harm.  One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of new fires in the area due to the winds that are forecast. Be aware that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Please be safe to prevent any new starts.

Chipping and fireline repair work continues throughout the fire area and will continue for the next few days. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is now at work in the area.  BAER teams are resource specialists who determine the need for emergency treatments to prevent more costly damage to public lands, infrastructure, or natural and cultural resources.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands implemented fire restrictions for the Sawtooth North Zone. Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices for new updates.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Sawtooth National Forest has reduced the area that is closed because of the Ross Fork Fire, effective Saturday, 9-17-22. All public lands east of Highway 75 are now open, as is Pettit Lake. Alturas Lake remains closed. The full closure language and map can be seen as pdf files at this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8375/71996/

EVACUATIONS:  All areas that had evacuation warnings have been reduced to “READY” status. Visit https://www.blainesheriff.com/152/Sheriff for more information. 98ew0 for more information.

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED

Personnel 308

Hand Crews 6

Engines 12

Helicopters 4

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/Sawtooth and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest 

 Ross Fork Fire Daily Update 

September 22, 2022

Fire Information: Email: 2022.rossfork@firenet.gov 
Phone: 208-329-6044 daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
Sawtooth National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

YouTube:https://youtu.be/Ll7iJz55hnIInciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8375

Containment: 44%

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 37,811 acres

Location: Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Fuel Type: Timber Litter/Timber/Short Grass
 

There continues to be some, but minimal fire activity over the last few days.  The winds picked up in the area, but no new growth was noted.  More winds are expected today as a storm system exits the fire area.   Smoke remains visible from interior pockets of fuel. The increase in acreage today is due to better mapping and not additional fire growth.

Winds are forecasted today followed by moisture this afternoon. As the storm system impacts the fire area temperatures are predicated to fall.

Firefighters continue to patrol, mitigate hazards, and mop-up locations throughout.  Crews will be evaluating the risks as the winds pick up today and proceed cautiously.  The forest fire closure is still in effect to protect both firefighters and the public from harm.  One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of new fires in the area due to the winds that are forecast. Be aware that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Please be safe to prevent any new starts.

Chipping and fireline repair work continues throughout the fire area and will continue for the next few days. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is now at work in the area.  BAER teams are resource specialists who determine the need for emergency treatments to prevent more costly damage to public lands, infrastructure, or natural and cultural resources.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands implemented fire restrictions for the Sawtooth North Zone. Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices for new updates.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Sawtooth National Forest has reduced the area that is closed because of the Ross Fork Fire, effective Saturday, 9-17-22. All public lands east of Highway 75 are now open, as is Pettit Lake. Alturas Lake remains closed. The full closure language and map can be seen as pdf files at this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8375/71996/

EVACUATIONS:  All areas that had evacuation warnings have been reduced to “READY” status. Visit https://www.blainesheriff.com/152/Sheriff for more information. 98ew0 for more information.

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED

Personnel 317

Hand Crews 8

Engines 13

Helicopters 4

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/Sawtooth and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest 

 

Ross Fork Fire Daily Update 
September 21, 2022

Fire Information: Email: 2022.rossfork@firenet.gov 
Phone: 208-329-6044 daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
Sawtooth National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

YouTube:https://youtu.be/Ll7iJz55hnIInciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8375

Containment: 44%

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 37,795 acres

Location: Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Fuel Type: Timber Litter/Timber/Short Grass
 

There continues to be some, but minimal fire activity over the last few days.  The winds picked up in the area, but no new growth was noted.  More winds are expected today ahead of a storm system that is moving into the area.  

Winds are forecasted today followed by moisture this afternoon. As the storm system impacts the fire area temperatures are predicated to fall.

Firefighters continue to patrol, mitigate hazards, and mop-up locations throughout.  Crews will be evaluating the risks as the winds pick up today and proceed cautiously.  The forest fire closure is still in effect to protect both firefighters and the public from harm.  One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of new fires in the area due to the winds that are forecast. Be aware that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Please be safe to prevent any new starts.

Chipping and fireline repair work continues throughout the fire area and will continue for the next few days. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is now at work in the area.  BAER teams are resource specialists who determine the need for emergency treatments to prevent more costly damage to public lands, infrastructure, or natural and cultural resources.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands implemented fire restrictions for the Sawtooth North Zone. Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices for new updates.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Sawtooth National Forest has reduced the area that is closed because of the Ross Fork Fire, effective Saturday, 9-17-22. All public lands east of Highway 75 are now open, as is Pettit Lake. Alturas Lake remains closed. The full closure language and map can be seen as pdf files at this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8375/71996/

EVACUATIONS:  All areas that had evacuation warnings have been reduced to “READY” status. Visit https://www.blainesheriff.com/152/Sheriff for more information. 98ew0 for more information.

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED

Personnel 375

Hand Crews 8

Engines 13

Helicopters 4

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/Sawtooth and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest 

 

Ross Fork Fire Daily Update 
September 20, 2022

Fire Information: Email: 2022.rossfork@firenet.gov 
Phone: 208-329-6044 daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
Sawtooth National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

YouTube:https://youtu.be/Ll7iJz55hnIInciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8375

Containment: 44%

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 37,795 acres

Location: Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Fuel Type: Timber Litter/Timber/Short Grass
 

There continues to be some, but minimal fire activity over the last few days.  The winds picked up in the area, but no new growth was noted.  More winds are expected over the next few days due to a weather system off the Pacific Coast.  

Cool, dry weather will continue the next few days.  The fire is still active in some of the dry heavy fuels, with minimal spreading within the fire perimeter.  Winds will be picking up and gusting up to about 30 mph in certain areas.  There is a chance of measurable rain predicted over the fire area on Wednesday and Thursday.  Temperatures will also cool off over the coming week. 

Firefighters continue to patrol, mitigate hazards, and mop-up locations throughout.  Crews will be evaluating the risks as the winds pick up today and proceed cautiously.  The forest fire closure is still in effect to protect both firefighters and the public from harm.  One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of new fires in the area due to the winds that are forecast. Be aware that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Please be safe to prevent any new starts.

Chipping and fireline repair work continues throughout the fire area and will continue for the next few days. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is now at work in the area.  BAER teams are resource specialists who determine the need for emergency treatments to prevent more costly damage to public lands, infrastructure, or natural and cultural resources.

Nevada Team 3 took command of the fire at 0700 today.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands implemented fire restrictions for the Sawtooth North Zone. Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices for new updates.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Sawtooth National Forest has reduced the area that is closed because of the Ross Fork Fire, effective Saturday, 9-17-22. All public lands east of Highway 75 are now open, as is Pettit Lake. Alturas Lake remains closed. The full closure language and map can be seen as pdf files at this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8375/71996/

EVACUATIONS:  All areas that had evacuation warnings have been reduced to “READY” status. Visit https://www.blainesheriff.com/152/Sheriff for more information. 98ew0 for more information.

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED

Personnel 462

Hand Crews 6

Engines 12

Helicopters 4

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/Sawtooth and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest